Should You Be Working After Retirement?

Some people aren’t meant to retire.   A life of leisure isn’t for everybody, especially if retirement doesn’t afford you the wherewithal to live in the lap of luxury. Few of us meet that criterion any more.  It is a fact that people are living longer and because of this they have to consider how they are going to make ends meet for an extended period of time.  This is a sobering fact as none of want to pose a financial burden on our families.

 

A number of people have enjoyed their working career/life and can’t imagine getting along without the social stimulation and satisfaction of a job well done.   What about you?  Are you one of those who plan to keep working at least part time?

 

I read an article in the Herald (August 16, 2009) by Karl Merton Ferron about boomers starting new careers.   He pointed out that there is a new attitude toward retirement and seniors no longer want to ride quietly off into the sunset.  People born in and around the baby boomer generation are looking at retirement as the next stage of development rather than resigning themselves to a period of decline.

 

I applaud this new way of thinking, although I don’t necessarily feel that staying on at the same job you have worked at for 40 years is the way to go either. I was a nurse for 45 years and still work on a limited basis, but the work is too physically and mentally taxing for me to want to continue for much longer.  Besides, I am ready to do new things.  My husband, on the other hand, loves his work and will continue to work as long as he can.  It is nice to know that we have more options than ever.

 

If work has been your passion, the chances are that you aren’t going to be happy traveling or playing golf indefinitely.  For some people volunteer activities, taking painting classes and playing cards at the senior center aren’t going to be enough.  Many retirees’ take this opportunity to start a new career.  As Mr. Ferron put it, you don’t run out of ideas when you retire.  Older Americans have experience, skills, contacts and other resources at their fingertips so now may be the time to try something new.  Starting a new business, continuing on as a consultant, or doing volunteer work for a service organization might be a better match for your talents.  Being passion and actively engaged is better than sitting in a rocking chair.  Retirement today can offer more than just a long vacation; it is not the time to becomea disengaged from life.  Financial planning is important but it is not enough if you haven’t made plans for the rest of your life.

 

Make a plan for your future and have a reason to get out of bed each morning.  It isn’t too late to rediscover who you are and find meaning in your life.  You do this by recognizing that physical exercise, mental challenges and social connections are all important for personal growth.

 

Look at retirement as the next phase instead of as the end of the line.  It is not the time to stop learning, to stop living, to stop anything.